Busch visits LUCHA Elementary

San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch visited LUCHA Elementary on Wednesday afternoon in San Jose as a part of the Amway Kicks for Kids program. The Amway Kicks for Kids program, in its second year, helps teach local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

The students greeted the Quakes goalkeeper with cheers and applause as they took their place in front of the crowd of 150 children who attended the assembly on a beautiful day in San Jose.

Busch stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle have had on their lives. The New York native told the children how a healthy diet helped him to have the energy to play soccer at a competitive level. He also explained the importance of being active and getting enough rest to perform at your best. Busch then gave the children examples of nutritious foods and activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

After he finished speaking, Busch selected a group of students to join him in the front of the other students for a juggling challenge. The students joined in a supportive chant of their classmates participating in the juggling activity.

To conclude the afternoon, Busch signed autographs and posed for photographs with the children. Earthquakes staff passed out t-shirts and two tickets to the Quakes match versus the expansion Philadelphia Union on Sept. 15 at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7 p.m. to all the children.

The Earthquakes and Amway teamed up to create the Amway Kicks for Kids program in 2009. Throughout the 2010 season Earthquakes players will visit 15 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle.